A Midland nursing charity inspired by First World War heroine Edith Cavell is backing a campaign to get her face on a £2 coin.

Around 40,000 people have signed a petition asking the Treasury to recognise the work of the nurse, who was executed by the Germans in 1915 after helping more than 200 Allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium.

A £2 coin with the face of former war secretary Lord Kitchener has already received the go-ahead from the Royal Mint, as part of moves to mark the centenary of the conflict.

The Cavell Nurses’ Trust, based in Redditch, was named after the heroine and works in her memory to support nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals in real need.

Chief executive Kate Tompkins said she was thrilled with the support expressed for the campaign.

“Edith Cavell nursed all wounded soldiers, regardless of nationality, saying to her nurses each man was a son, husband or father,” she said.

“As the charity set up in her name in 1917, just two years after her death, we are delighted with the support and recognition through the online petition of Edith’s work as a nurse and for helping 200 Allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium.

“We are working with colleagues across the UK on a wide range of plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of this remarkable woman and nursing leader whose values were care and compassion.”

Sioned-Mair Richards, a Labour councillor in Sheffield, started the petition. She said: “Kitchener represents all I have always loathed about the First World War, the jingoism, the waste of men, the “Lions led by Donkeys” mentality.

“And then I thought of Cavell, a heroine of my early childhood. The nurse who was executed for giving succour to all wounded soldiers regardless of nationality.

“In the year in which we commemorate the First World War, she should be honoured by her country as a woman who was one of the best.”